Foundation File; C.A.K.E Cosmetics Daily Wear Foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

TheFoundationDirectory; FoundationFiles - C.A.K.E Cosmetics Daily Wear Foundation 

Brand: C.A.K.E Cosmetics

Name: Daily Wear

Coverage: Medium

Shade: N95

Swatch: 

TheFoundationDirectory; Foundation Files - C.A.K.E Cosmetics Daily Wear

What The brand says: Introducing C.A.K.E Cosmetic's Daily Wear Foundation. The light-medium coverage foundation, has a silk like feel when applied to the skin and will leave your face feeling hydrated. Achieving flawless skin has never been so easy. A coconut oil based foundation that diffuses the line of make-up & skin, the lightweight formula leaves the complexion looking natural & radiant. 

Wear time (with/without primer): Unfortunately as this shade is too dark and too red for me, I did not wear it for a full day, I did however apply it to my face around the house for a couple of hours without primer or powder and it wore well. 

Price (ml): £13 (30ml)

Pros: Affordable
Comes in a pump bottle
Catered specifically for women of colour
5 shades
The website gives comparisons to other shades in other brands to help find your shade

Cons: Limited accessibility
Difficult to tell the order of the shades as they don't appear to follow a similar numbering system

Suitable Skin Types: All who like a radiant finish. 

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Propylene Glycol, Coconut Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane Ethylhexyl,Dimethyl Paba Talc, Cyclohexasiloxane Caprylic/Capric,Triglyceride Stearalkonium Hectorite,Dimethicone,Stearic Acid Boron,Nittide,Cyclomenthicone Pvp, Triethanolamine,Potassium Cetyl Phosphate,Tocopheryl Acetate, Mica, Xanthan Gum Dimethiconol,Propylene Carbonate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Propylparaben,Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer Ethyhexyl,Palmite,Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate Butylene, Glycol Capryl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol,Sodium Hyaluronate,Hexylene Glycol, CI77891,CI77499,CI77492,CI77491

Oxidation: There is a very slight oxidation with this as it dries down, but it's very difficult for me to tell as the foundation is too dark for me to begin with. 

Any Other Information: C.A.K.E cosmetics was created by Stevie Newman, she saw a gap in the market with the lack of affordable foundation shades for women of colour and decided to do something about it.  

Conclusion: Unfortunately I am not going to be able to give a thorough review on this, as the shade I was sent is too dark, I did apply it to my face around the house though so I can give an initial impression. I really like the way it applied, even though coconut oil is the third ingredient, it did not feel oily, it kind of dried down in the similar vein of a dry oil. I love the way it blended well into my skin and look very skin like, with a natural sheen before any powder was applied. I am definitely intrigued enough to want to purchase this in my actual shade. 

Availability: Cakecosmetics.co.uk & Superdrug.com (not yet listed on there)

*Rating: Like (based on my initial impression)



*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

FoundationFiles; Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

TheFoundationDirectory; Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Brand: Hourglass



Name: Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Golden Almond (described as medium deep with neutral undertones)

Swatch: 

TheFoundationDirectory; Hourglass Seamless Finish Vanish Foundation Stick Swatch

What The brand says: A revolutionary foundation stick with the coverage of a concealer, the fluidity of a liquid, and the weightlessness of a powder in a longwearing waterproof formula for undetectable full coverage. The unprecedented concentration of pigment in this foundation provides maximum coverage with minimum product, concealing all discoloration and imperfections for flawless skin with a seamless finish.

• A foundation and concealer in one, this concentrated formula contains double the amount of pigment versus traditional foundations for instant coverage in one application.
• Long wearing, waterproof formula provides 12 hour coverage.
• Innovative formula adjusts to your body temperature to effortlessly blend into the skin.
• Designed specifically to be used with the Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush for the most seamless finish. 
• Available in 26 shades to perfectly match every skin tone. 
• Vegan
• .25 OZ / 7.2 G

• Based on a 1-week consumer study of 31 women, Vanish demonstrated dramatic visible improvements:
-100% reported product was fast and easy to use and apply
-97% saw an instant improvement in skin appearance
-97% reported product effectively covered redness and skin imperfections
-94% reported product blended seamlessly into their own skin
-94% reported product effectively covered skin discoloration, pores, blemishes and dark under eye circles
-90% reported product effectively covered hyperpigmentation and dark spots 

Wear time (with/without primer): The wear time on this is typical with my other foundations, even with primer I require at least a couple of touch-ups throughout the day, and my nose inevitably gets oily/shiny. I think the wear time will improve on my combo skin during the cooler months, when my t-zone produces a lot less oil.

Price (ml): £42 for 7.1ml

Pros: Good shade range
Pigmented



Cons: Very expensive for less than the usual amount for a stick foundation

Suitable Skin Types: All except oily/extremely oily.

Ingredients: Not listed but free from;  
• Parabens
• Fragrance
• Gluten
• Sulfates
• Nanoparticles
• Phthalates
• Synthetic Dyes
• GMOs
• Not tested on animals

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: So one of the main cons for this foundation is the price, it's £42 for 7ml, it's true there's often less product in stick foundations, but this is still less for more money when comparing with Bobbi Brown that retails for £29.50 for 9ml and the new Anastasia Beverly Hills option (review pending) that is $25 (not sure how much it will be in the UK yet), which also contains 9ml.

Conclusion: This is a really nice stick foundation, that I think will be best suited to my combination skin in the cooler months. Do I think it's worth £42..........No. Saying that you can see where the money has gone, the packaging is fab and different, it screams luxury. The formula is beautiful no doubt, it provides a good medium coverage without looking cakey or feeling heavy on the skin, and it blends in like a dream. Hourglass is a luxury brand with lots of innovation behind it, but I feel this could have retailed for slightly less or at least contain the same amount as other stick foundations on the market. I've rated it a lust to take into account all aspects of the product; coverage, wear time, packaging, brand, shade range etc. The product itself however would probably only get a 'like' rating, I really wanted to fall head over heels for it, but it is a nice foundation and if you are a beauty junky you are going to want to try it, but see if you can find it on offer.


Availability: you can buy it here, here, here and here.

*Rating: Lust



*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

NYX Cosmetics; Conceal, Correct and Contour Palette!!!

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Brand: NYX Cosmetics

Name: Conceal, Correct and Contour Palette

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Deep

Swatch:

NYX Cosmetics Conceal, Correct and Contour Palette swatch

What The brand says: Colour-match your skin with this perfecting and correcting palette to conceal correct or contour. With six shades to choose from in each set you can cover up problem spots, even-out imperfections and accentuate your best features in a flash. Use these buildable colours on their own or combine them to create the ideal tone.

Wear time (with/without primer): This has really good weartime, especially when worn on skin rather than over the top of foundation, it does require a touch-up or two thorughout the day to keep it looking it's best.

Price (ml): £10 for 1.5g

Pros: Affordable
Great for travel
3 palettes for different skintones

Cons: May not use all the shades in the palette

2 shade in the palette are very similar
Could use an extra palette for even darker skintones
Hard to get hold of in the UK

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Will update soon

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Nyx have a pop up stand in Selfridges in London for about 6 weeks (Ending around mid November), some of the items are also available on selfridges.com, so if you've been meaning to get your hands on some Nyx products I wouldn't wait around.   

Conclusion: I really like this palette, it has all I need for colour correcting, concealing, highlighting and contouring in a palmsized travel friendly palette. I'm a little unsure of how to use the yellow shade, but I've been mixing it in with one of the lighter shades (which I use interchageably) to highlight with and that's worked well.

*Rating: Love

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation; Is this the best foundation from MAC yet?!

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Mac Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation

Brand: Mac

Name: Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation**

Coverage: Sheer - Medium

Shade: NW50 

Swatch:

Mac Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: Introducing an innovative foundation that delivers colour in an ultra-fluid, elastic gel- serum formula. With a virtually weightless feel, this hydrating formula is extraordinarily comfortable, lasting for hours. With stay-true colour and sheer medium buildable coverage, it softly blurs imperfections such as pores and fine lines. The unique dropper provides you with a drop of perfection.

Wear time (with/without primer): This foundation has great wear time on my combination skin, I don't even need primer, it lasts all day without touch ups, if I'm going out after work then I'll touch up to keep my makeup going through the evening.

Price (ml): £25.50 for 30ml

Pros: Good shade range
Lightweight
Long lasting
Buildable coverage
SPF 30 with no flashback

Cons:

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Will update soon

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Pipette style dropper applicator. It's not my shade and very red on me, but once I highlight it balances it out somewhat. Once I was done testing, I started mixing in a little Face & Body foundation in C7, which is a little light for me and it was a better match. This is a foundation I would definitely purchase in my actual shade as I like it that much.

Conclusion: I absolutely love this foundation and that says a lot coming from an anti-macaholic (is there a hashtag for that?! lol), it's so lightweight, the type of coverage I like and lasts really well on the skin, with a demi-matte finish. It can be applied with a brush or fingers, I apply 4 drops onto my buffing brush and buff into the skin, applying a couple extra drops to build coverage where needed.

*Rating: Love

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love
**Pr Sample

Foundation Files; Becca Blotting Powder Perfector - Tinted

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Becca Blotting Powder Perfector - Tinted

Brand: Becca

Name: Blotting Powder Perfector

Coverage: None

Shade: Tinted

Swatch:

Becca Blotting Powder Perfector - Tinted - Swatch

What The brand says: An oil-absorbing powder that mattifies skin and sets makeup for a long-lasting perfected soft focus look. This non-drying micro-fine powder controls shine without adding noticeable color or texture. Imperfections are softened while the appearance of pores are minimized for a velvet smooth finish. Use after foundation application to set makeup or alone for touch ups throughout the day.

Wear time (with/without primer): This has great wear time, once applied I don't need to reapply for a few hours, however I did find towards the end of the day more frequent reapplication was required to keep shine at bay.

Price (ml): £29 (10.8g)

Pros: Controls oil
Comes in a handy pouch

Cons: Would benefit from one extra shade being added to the line

Suitable Skin Types: Combination, Normal, Oily

Ingredients: MICA, SILICA, DIMETHICONE, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAISOSTEARATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE. MAY CONTAIN: CI 77492 (IRON OXIDE), CI 75470 (CARMINE), CI 77491 (IRON OXIDE)

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: It comes with a powder puff, which I never used, it's housed in a mirrored compact, and the little zip up pouch and is a great addition.

Conclusion: Every summer the hunt for the perfect products to keep shine at bay is on, this year I found one such product, the Becca Blotting Powder Perfector. This comes in 2 shades, tinted and translucent, I picked this up from SpaceNK. I use this mainly to touch up throughout the day, I found that when used to set my base if I was a little too heavy handed it would initially make me appear a little ashy, but this doesn't happen during touch ups. it can also be used as a finishing powder, once setting powder has been applied to also prevent this.

This powder is great for absorbing oil, without getting cakey and heavy, as it has little to no coverage it hardly alters the colour of your original make up. However repeated application is required the longer you've had your makeup on, as the mattifying effects don't last as long, . I can see this product becoming a stable feature in my summer makeup, for keeping shine at bay.

*Rating: Lust

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Brand: Charlotte Tilbury

Name: Magic Foundation

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: 11 described as a deep bronze for Deep to Dark Skin Tones with Warm Golden Undertones

Swatch:

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation Swatches

What The brand says: Magic Foundation is a miracle in a bottle that transforms skin for all ages, skin tones and skin types. I have worked with laboratories for five years to create a “hyper-intelligent” formula that gives full-coverage yet feels completely weightless, with all the anti-ageing and protective benefits of a luxury skin cream. It conceals imperfections, glides on like a dream, and literally feels like a second skin. Whether your skin needs just a bit of perfecting, or you struggle with a frustrating issue like acne, melasma or rosacea, Magic Foundation will give you a perfect looking skin day, every day! Chose from 15 beautiful demi-matte shades to match every skin tone from Lily Cole to Lupita Nyongo. 

Magical Laricyl: A concentrated mushroom extract that firms skin. It instantly tightens pores whilst flooding the skin with moisture, for a comfortable, nourished yet flawless finish.
Genius Hyaluronic Filling Spheres: What makes Hyaluronic Acid so beneficial is its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. These “genius” spheres absorb into the skin and plump up wrinkles from within. In 1 hour skin looks smoother and firmer, plus more supple and youthful.
Super-Charged Vitamin C (VC-IP): Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that fights the damaging and ageing effects of free radicals. Magic Foundation is the first time this new super-charged Vitamin C has been used in a foundation. With consistent use, it helps skin build new collagen (essential for youthful elasticity), reduces the appearance of age spots by 75% in four months, and reduces the appearance of acne after 9 weeks.
Broad Spectrum SPF 15: Protects from damaging rays so skin can retain a healthy, youthful look.

Wear time (with/without primer): This has good wear time, but I do require a couple of touch-up on my combination skin without primer, a good mattifying primer will extend the wear and keep shine at bay for much longer. I can imagine on my skintype a mattifying primer would not be needed during the colder months.

Price (ml): £29.50 for 30ml

Pros: SPF15
Skincare benefits
Extended shade range
Comes with a pump
Gorgeous packaging
Lightweight
Non cakey

Cons: Needs more darker shades
Big jump between shades 11 and 12

Suitable Skin Types: All (extremely oily skins prep accordingly).

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER/EAU, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, TALC, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NANO), GLYCERIN, NYLON-12, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ZINC OXIDE, ACRYLATES/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER, PHENOXYETHANOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE,MAGNESIUM SULFATE, HYDROGEN DIMETHICONE, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, ALUMINA, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, BENZOIC ACID, DIMETHICONE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SILICA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, FOMES OFFICINALIS (MUSHROOM) EXTRACT, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, [MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)].

Oxidation: Yes, it oxidises slightly after being on the skin for a minute or 2, if you produce a lot of oil it will also oxidise slightly as the day goes on.

Any Other Information: A new brush has been released, touted to work alongside this foundation, the Magic complexion Brush, which retails at £45. This brush was used on me at the counter, and while it was very soft, it did shed a bit and the MUA had to keep picking bits of bursh hair off my face. I just use a buffing brush.

Conclusion: As you can see from the swatches, shade 10 appears darker than shade 11 due to the very orange undertone, this is even too orange for me and I a little orange in my foundation. The MUA agreed that I probably needed a 10.5 for an exact match, but the undertones in 11 matched my neck and chest, while 10 made my face look darker than these areas. I don't agree with the shade description of 'deep bronze', but it definitely has a warm golden undertone.

This foundation is great for something that offers good coverage, it feels so lightweight on the skin and does not look heavy or cakey. Lets not get it twisted, it isn't magic (no foundation is), that's just marketing, but I admire Charlotte Tilbury's passion. You can pick up Magic Foundation here and here.

*Rating: Lust

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.



Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation

 Brand: Make Up Forever

Name: Ultra HD Foundation

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: R510 Coffee - 175 in regular formula

Swatch:

Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: Created for the very latest high-definition technologies of the film and TV industry, ULTRA HD advanced formulas look invisible on 4K camera and to the naked eye. Perfect for the makeup pros and for you.

ULTRA HD foundation feels like a second skin, but still provides medium coverage, and the light-diffusing formula looks natural and makes skin look flawless and feel moisturized. Exclusive 4K Complex guarantees invisible, natural and comfortable makeup. The fluid texture blends in seamlessly and conceals imperfections to unify the skin’s texture. Great for all skin types, and features a full-range of shades to cover all skintones.

Wear time (with/without primer): This lasts well throughout the day, although touch ups are required in my oily areas even with a mattifying primer as a base. But for the rest of my face, it lasts really well with no touch ups.

Price (ml): £33.50 for 30ml (Price starts from £29, depending on where you purchase it)

Pros: 40 Shades

Cons: New numbering system can be confusing

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Not on website (will update from packaging in due course)

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Shades that start with an R represent those with a red undertone, while those with a Y, yellow undertones. There are 4 groups representing your skintone 2 - Light, 3 - Medium, 4 - Tan and 5 - Dark, then the last 2 digits represent the shade, which go up in increments of 5. The ones that have a match in the original formula will also have these numbers on the bottom of the bottle, but there are 15 extra shades in this formulation, but some of the previous shades have been discontinued. You maybe wondering why I got R510 then, well the original shade 175 is described as having coral undertones and I like a good neutral toned foundation, it works, but I think come winter I'll need a different shade. (NB: I have not tried the original, which I belive is being discontiuned, so I cannot compare formula)

Conclusion: This is a really nice foundation, that covers well without looking cakey or heavy and has a great shade range. However with all the hype around the original formula I expected to be wowed and wasn't, that's not to say it's bad, possibly I had very high expectations. It is good for photographs and filming, reasonably priced, especially if you get it at the cheaper end of the price bracket.

*Rating: Like

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Ajcrimson Dual Skin Creme Foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Ajcrimson Dual Skin Creme Foundation

Brand: Ajcrimson

Name: Dual Skin Foundation

Coverage: Medium

Shade: #5 (according to the website comparable to mac NW45 in Studio Fix Fluid)

Swatch:

Ajcrimson Dual Skin Creme Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: AJ Crimson Creme Foundation perfect for every woman of color. Formulated by celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson, promises to deliver smooth finish and coverage.

Wear time (with/without primer): The wear time on this is good, but I do require a touch-ups throughout the day, especially around my nose area even with primer.

Price (ml): $35

Pros: Lightweight
buildable coverage
Not cakey

Cons: Not a lot of information on the website
Poor accessibility in the UK
No ingredients listed

Suitable Skin Types: Dry and normal.  Combo and Oily skins will need good prep, especially during warmer months.

Ingredients: Not listed on the website, on the product or packaging.

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: This colour is a little too red for my skintone, but when I swatched it at the makeup masterclass he did in London last month, 4.5 seemed too light and 6 was even more red toned than this. It balances it out once I apply concealer and a yellow toned powder.

Conclusion: This is a nice cream based founadtion, that's probably best suited to my combo skin in the cooler months

*Rating: Like

Ratings; Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Illusions Cosmetics Picture Perfect foundation

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram,Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference:in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Illusions Cosmetics Picture Perfect Foundation

Brand: Illusions Cosmetics

Name: Picture Perfect Foundation *

Coverage: Medium - Full

Shade: Worship Tan (Great colour match)

Swatch:

Illusions Cosmetics Picture Perfect Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: This creamy formulation provides a sheer to full coverage, may be worn everyday or used for that fabulous wedding day makeup, and even on camera. Our crème foundation is perfect for creating a flawless complexion, it is the ultimate in coverage and can be used for any occasion, excellent for photography. Suitable for all skin types.

Wear time (with/without primer): I was really worried about weartime, being an oil based foundation and my combination skin, but I needn't have worried. It held up well throughout the day, even without primer.

Price (ml): $25 for 30ml

Pros: Oil based

17 shades
Controllable coverage level
Can be used as concealer

Cons: Oil based

American based
Packaging

Suitable Skin Types: All, but super oily girls may want to prep skin accordingly.

Ingredients: Coconut oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Ozokerite, Carnauba wax, Stearic Acid (vegetable), May contain; Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI77492, CI77499, Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Ultramarine Blue CI77007.  

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: This would work great for highlighting and contouring in the appropriate shades. This foundation does have a scent, a cross between baby powder and baby oil, not unpleasant and dissipates once on the face.

Conclusion: This foundation gives a beautiful flawless finish, I applied with a damp beauty blender and buffing brush and got great results each time. You can control the coverage, but even at full coverage it doesn't look cakey or heavy. Check it out here.

**Rating: Lust

*Pr Sample

**Ratings; Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Illamasqua Glamour Nude Lipsticks

Illamasqua lauched the Glamore collection, a collection to celebrate the classics, a way for everyone to redefined what glamourous is to them. This included satin lipsticks, that were developed to be less drying than their well known matte lipsticks. Within this they also launched the Nude collection, 7 Nude satin lipsticks to match every skintone.

I have 3 of the 7 shades; Naked described as a creamy nude (less beige and more pinky brown than Tease), Tease described as a pink beige and Buff, the darkest in the nude range described as a fudge brown, it's a dark muted pink brown.


Illamasqua Nude Lipsticks in Naked, Tease and Buff

These lipsticks are gorgeous and creamy, you still need to ensure lips are well prepped, but once applied they last well. I enjoy using Naked applied with a pinky liner underneath or mixing Tease and Buff together, to offer versatality and prevent Tease looking to pale on my darker skin tone. Check out pictures of me wearing these on my instagram; Aallexxy.

 

Have you tried any of the nude range yet, or the satin lipsticks in general available here. What do you think of the direction Illamasqua have been going in recently?

 

Thanks for visiting the blog today.

 

Alex

 

Sleek Make-up’s limited edition I-divine in Arabian Nights

Here's a post I wrote for brownbeautytalk.com; I've added swatches, the palette is still available on sleekmakeup.com, enjoy.

Sleek cosmetics is probably one of my favourite drugstore brands, they cater to a wide variety of skin tones, affordable items that do what they say on the tin. I mean an eyeshadow palette of 12 shades that are pigmented and blend beautifully at £7.99, there isn’t a shade I do not like in this palette and it can serve for a variety of occasions from day to night. It comes housed in a gorgeously sleek black compact, with a double ended applicator.
Sleek state that this I-divine eyeshadow palette is inspired by Arabian fantasy, seduction and warm rich colours. The deep tones of green, blue and gold melt together, forming beautiful smoky effects, suited to all skin tones. I couldn’t agree more, if you are looking for an eyeshadow palette with some none neutral colours, I couldn’t recommend this highly enough. If you have oily eyelids, you may require a primer to increase longevity, but I find eyeshadows last well on me without one.

 

The palette contains a mixture of shimmer and metallic shades, with only one matte shade, which is stallion a dark brown burgundy colour. The stand out shades for me are; scheherazade’s tale a light medium golden beige with a metallic finish that’s great as an inner corner highlight. Genie a rich medium dark bronzy brown with a metallic finish, which is great if you want an all over wash of colour for a quick daytime look. Black magic a blackened navy blue with a satin finish, hocus pocus a gorgeous light emerald green with a metallic finish, Simbad’s Seas a navy blue with a satin finish and valley of diamonds a dark wine colour with gold shimmer shot through it. But to be honest, there isn’t a shade I wouldn’t wear in this palette, it’s bold but can be worn subtle at the same time and would be gorgeous to create a smokey eye.

As it’s limited edition I would grab this ASAP!!!

This post appeared first on brownbeautytalk.com.

Tom Ford's Unabashed Eye and Cheek Palette on darker skin.

My first ever Tom Ford beauty purchase comes in the form of this limited edition eye and cheek palette, it contains 3 eyeshadows, a blusher and highlighter/bronzer. I figured it was a great way to sample a few different things from the brand in one go, and with House of Fraser offering 10% off with an additional £5 off code that I had, reducing the high end price of £68, I justified this purchase to myself. Plus I had been searching high and low for swatches on a darker skin tone, with very little success, so here they are.

As this palette is limited edition I wanted to get this post up as soon as possible, as of writing this it was still available on the Harvey Nicholls, Selfridges and House of Fraser websites.

Sunlight through a windowThe palette is huge, with a mirror in one end, it comes in a gold box with a dust bag. The white and gold compact is gorgeous and screams luxury.

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Sunlight through a window

It only arrived this afternoon, so I haven't had a chance to play around with this palette on the eye. While swatching the eyeshadow's felt extremely smooth, the glitter shade felt almost wet in the pan, and the pigmentation of the blue shade is intense. I can't wait to start experimenting with looks and I'm super excited to delve into the Tom Ford beauty arena.

 

I'll be updating this post once I've had a good play and posting looks on instagram (aallexxy), come and have a look.

 

Have you splurged on this palette yet? Are you tempted?

 

Thanks for visiting the blog today

 

Alex

 

 

YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation!!!

So by now you have probably already heard of YSL's latest addition to their base family, it's their first serum foundation, it's infused with a unique complex called Glycanactif complex. It's touted to revive skin's youthful brightness and enhance the complexion's natural colour tone, said to work even better in conjunction with the Forever Youth Liberator Serum, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and leave the skin looking firmer. Now as is the way with these things, I have not used the foundation long enough to comment on these claims and I do not own the serum, but it's a nice thought to think the foundation has extra added benefits during wear, as appears to be the trend recently.

Anyway back to the Foundation, I have shade B70, the darkest I've seen. It's a good match to my skintone, albeit a little beige, it blends out really well. It's contained in the most glorious glass bottle I've seen for a while and comes with a handy pump.

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(I'll add a picture of me wearing it once I get a good shot)
It's gives a good medium coverage, with a lovely satin finish, it's on the pricey side of £34, but I bought it with 15% off from Feelunique. I like this foundation, one critic is I would like it to have more yellow in it, but it gives my skin a lovely glow and lasts well with minimal touch up's during the day, I apply it with fingers and/or my real techniques buffing brush.

Have you tried this foundation yet?

Thanks for visiting the blog today.

Alex

Urban Decay's Naked 3 Palette on darker skin!!!

By now everyone and their dog has heard about Urban Decay's latest addition to the Naked range, I don't own any of the other products in the naked range, but something about this was calling to me and I answered lol!!! It contains 12 all new rose hued shades, a double ended brush and 7 day samples of 4 eye primers for £37. I ordered mine from Debenhams.com, you have all probably read about this palette, so I'll just let the pictures do the talking.

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Top row: Strange, Dust, Burnout, Limit. Middle row: Buzz, Trick, Nooner, Liar. Bottom row: Factory, Mugshot, Darkside, Blackheart.

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I'm still playing around with this palette, but so far I'm loving it, I've done a natural daytime look so far, which I posted on instagram (aallexxy). I want to do a night time look using blackheart as the main colour, for a really dramatic smokey eye, if I do I'll post the results on instagram.

 

Have you succumbed and bought this palette? What's your thoughts? If you didn't get it why not?

 

 

Thanks for visiting the blog today

 

Alex

 

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer!!!

So if you've read my Nip+fab post then you'll know I've spent the last couple of months trying to fade some blemish marks on my cheeks, in the mean time I had to cover them up, and found none of the concealers in my stash upto the task. After hearing so much about secret camouflage I decided to take the plunge, at £26 it's not exactly cheap, but it definitely lives up to it's name.

 

I have the shade SC-7, second to the last darkest shade in the range, it contains two compartments one with a yellow based concealer to match your undertones. The smaller side is a more red based concealer, to match the depth of your skins tone, this enables you to customise your shade all year round. It's a very dry consistency, and I would beware of using it under your eyes, especially if you have dry skin, lots of fines etc. However one of the beauty consultants stated that she mixed in a little serum and it works fines, I have used it under my eyes and had no problems, but when my skin gets more dry in the colder months I may steer clear.

I dip my brush in both sides, using more of the yellow side to match my undertones and buff over the areas I want to cover, I then sometimes pat in further with my fingers to fully warm the concealer up on my skin.

Top pic; FlashBottom pic; daylight

 

I absolutely love this concealer, it has great longevity, and covers without looking heavy or cakey. Some days I use this, just a light powder like the chanel les beiges (Click for blogpost) and it looks great and natural, while offering great coverage.

No concealerSecret Camouflage

 

As you can see my blemishes are no longer as severe thanks to the Nip+Fab range, but it still covers what's lingering behind, and I have no other make-up on in this picture (other than brows).

Have you tried this concealer, what do you think?

Thank you for visiting the blog today

Alex